Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for March 2, 2007

Weather Conditions:

The second powerful storm system to hit the Great Lakes basin in as many weeks brought a variety of precipitation to the region.  Snow fall amounts of well over a foot were common in the northern reaches of the basin, while rain and freezing rain fell in the south.  The chance of snow will continue through the weekend, before warmer temperatures arrive by the middle of next week.

 

Lake Level Conditions:

 Lake Superior is currently 14 inches below its level of one year ago. Lake Michigan-Huron is at a similar level, while Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario levels are 1-4 inches above last year's water levels. Over the next month the water level on Lake Superior is predicted to remain steady. The remaining Great Lakes are expected to start their annual rise and are forecasted to increase 1 to 3 inches. During the next few months, Lake Superior is expected to remain below last year's water level conditions. Water levels on Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are expected to be similar to last year.

 

Current Outflows/Channel Conditions:

Flow in the St. Marys and St. Clair rivers is predicted to be below average for March. Outflow from the Detroit River is also predicted to be lower than average this month. Flow in the
 Niagara River, as well as the St. Lawrence River, is expected to be above average. Water levels and flows in the connecting channels may be greatly impacted by ice dams.  Ice information can be found at the National Ice Center web page.

 

Alerts:

Due to abnormally dry conditions on the Lake Superior basin over the last six months, Lake Superior’s water level is currently below chart datum and is expected to remain below datum through August.  Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels.  Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

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Nice Update Sir Castalot.  Thanks

h2o

That was a very informitive report.Thanks